Here are 20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) with answers about the Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) in South Africa, based on South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulations and general drone operations knowledge:
1. What is a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC)?
Answer: An RPC is a license issued by the SACAA that certifies an individual as a qualified Remote Pilot to operate a drone commercially.
2. Who needs an RPC in South Africa?
Answer: Anyone operating a drone for commercial, corporate, or non-private use in South Africa is required to hold an RPC.
3. Can I fly a drone commercially without an RPC?
Answer: No. Commercial operations without an RPC are illegal under SACAA Part 101 regulations and can result in fines or legal action.
4. What are the minimum age requirements for an RPC?
Answer: The applicant must be at least 18 years old. All examinations require pass mark of above 75%. You require at least a level 4 English Language proficiency.
5. What training is required to obtain an RPC?
Answer: You must complete theoretical and practical training from an SACAA-approved Remote Training Organisation (RPTO). Ntsikelelo Drone Academy is one of the few here in KZN.
6. How long does it take to complete RPC training, and the nature of training?
Answer: Generally, it takes between 1 to 3 months, depending on how prepared the candidate is. The course is offered on a fulltime basis, i.e. it is classroom based.
7. Do I need a medical certificate and own drone to get an RPC?
Answer: Medical certificate: Yes – You must have a Class 4 Aviation Medical Certificate issued by an approved Aviation Medical Examiner.
Answer: Own drone – No you do not need to have own drone.
8. Is a background check required?
Answer: Yes. A police clearance certificate is required as part of the RPC application process.
9. What subjects are covered in the RPC training?
Answer: Subjects include Air Law, Meteorology, Navigation, Human Factors, Principles of Flight, and Radio Telephony.
10. Is there a practical flight test?
Answer: Yes. After completing theory, you must pass a practical flight test conducted by a SACAA-approved examiner.
11. What is the cost of obtaining an RPC, and what is included?
Answer: Depending on the offering, the costs range from R20,000 to R80 000, equipment use, and examination fees. We require a 50% deposit, 20% of which is non-refundable.
Course content, examination fees (for the first attempt – all rewrites are for your own account), practical flight training, RPL test with a Remote Pilot Examiner, SACAA licensing fees, courier costs for your licence, and English Proficiency Exam fee, if applicable.
12. Is the RPC valid internationally?
Answer: No. The RPC is only valid within South Africa. Other countries require certification through their respective aviation authorities.
13. How long is the RPC valid?
Answer: It is valid for 24 months and must be renewed by undergoing a competency check and meeting currency requirements.
14. Can I fly any drone with my RPC?
Answer: You may fly drones within the weight class and operational limitations you were trained and certified for. Heavier or specialized drones may require additional ratings.
15. What is an RPL versus an RPC?
Answer: RPL (Remote Pilot Licence) and RPC (Remote Pilot Certificate) are often used interchangeably in South Africa. However, SACAA formally uses “Remote Pilot Licence (RPL)” under Part 101.
16. Do I need an RPC for recreational drone flying?
Answer: No. An RPC is not required for private/recreational use, but operators must still follow SACAA’s general drone usage guidelines.
17. What are the ongoing requirements after getting an RPC?
Answer: You must maintain flight logs, keep your medical certificate valid, undergo periodic competency checks, and operate within the SACAA regulations.
18. Where can I apply for an RPC?
Answer: You apply through a SACAA-accredited Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO), which submits documentation to the SACAA upon successful training.
19. Can I get an RPC if I have a criminal record?
Answer: A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but SACAA will review the nature of the offense before issuing the certificate.
Answer:
Agriculture – Crop health monitoring via multispectral sensors, precision spraying, plant counting, and irrigation optimization.
Mining – High-resolution topographic surveys, volumetric stockpile measurements, and safety inspections of high-risk zones.
Land and property – Using photogrammetry and LiDAR payloads, drones produce accurate 2D orthomosaics and 3D terrain models.
Construction – Progress monitoring, site planning, structural inspections, and as-built documentation to improve accuracy and safety.
Wildlife conservation – They track animal movements, monitor poaching hotspots, and assess habitat changes with minimal disturbance.
Security surveillance – Yes—patrol large perimeters, monitor crowds, and provide rapid incident response, subject to privacy law compliance.
Delivery services – Pilot projects exist (e.g., medical supplies to remote clinics) but widespread commercial delivery awaits regulatory frameworks.
Emergency response – They provide real-time situational awareness in fires, floods, and search-and-rescue, reducing risk to personnel.